Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is in Russia to lead an Indian delegation to bring back the holy relics of Lord Buddha. The relics, recognized as a National Treasure of India, were displayed at a week-long exposition in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia, which is the only Buddhist-majority region in Europe. The exposition concludes on October 18, 2025. The delegation is expected to accompany the relics back to India on October 19, 2025.
The exposition took place at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also known as the "Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha,” a major Tibetan Buddhist center. Over 90,000 devotees paid their respects to the relics during their time in Elista. The event is seen as a significant step in strengthening the spiritual and cultural ties between India and Russia, emphasizing their shared heritage and the unifying teachings of Lord Buddha.
LG Sinha expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the responsibility of bringing back the relics. In a post on X, Sinha stated, "Leaving for Kalmykia, Russia, where I will lead the delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha... 'Om Mamo Buddhaya’". During his visit, Sinha paid homage at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, offered a traditional Kashmiri shawl to Shajin Lama, presented a "Khatak" to the Holy Relics, and lit a lamp at the monastery. He also offered prayers before the revered Bakula Rinpoche.
Sinha described the exposition as a landmark event and a historic homecoming of faith for the Kalmyk people. He highlighted the exposition's role as a "powerful bridge of spiritual friendship between India and Russia, showcasing India's efforts to foster cultural ties". He also met with Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, to discuss cultural and spiritual cooperation between India and Kalmykia. Sinha emphasized the long-standing relationship between India and Russia, stating, "The holy relics visit to this land is also testimony of the decades-long relations that India and Russia have shared".
The relics are part of the Piprahwa collection, which is housed at the National Museum in New Delhi. Piprahwa is located near Birdpur in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district and is identified as the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya clan to which Lord Buddha belonged. The relics were transported to Russia aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by a delegation of senior Buddhist monks, officials, and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.
The visit and exposition also revive the legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist monk and diplomat from Ladakh who played a crucial role in reviving Buddhism in Mongolia and Russian regions including Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva. The week-long cultural program also included an exhibition tracing the historical journey of the Buddha's relics.
